Coordination of benefits tips

鈥?Check with your local dental society or your state Department of Insurance to determine whether your state’s COB law follows the model described here. (Note: The National Association of Dental Plans will work with state societies to publish a COB guide for states.)

鈥?Submit the claim to the carrier that your office believes is primary under these guidelines.

Note: Be certain to complete the section of the claim form for other coverage, whether or not your office plans to submit for payment under the other carrier. This section includes the information that is needed by the carrier to determine whether it is primary or secondary using date of birth of the policyholder, gender, patient’s relationship to the policyholder.

鈥?Regardless of the COB situation, always submit the fees* charged to the patient as submitted charges on claim forms. When processing the claims, the plan administrators will apply plan allowances.

鈥?To avoid payment delays, include the explanation of benefits from the primary carrier with your claim submission to any additional carrier.

Discount plans are not subject to COB laws and regulations as they are not insurance products.